Page 4 of Under the Influence
“Which iswhat?”
I know exactly what she wants. What she deserves. But I couldn't give it to her. Not then. Not now. But I'm too fucking selfish to admit that all of this is a huge fucking mistake and I should let her go. Because I can't. Not everagain.
The same broken expression from the night I dumped her darkens her gorgeous face. The same hollowness in her eyes that’s haunted my dreams every fucking night for sixmonths.
“Everything youdon’t.”
I’ve missed her more than I can describe. And, to see her. So fucking stunning. Glowing with happiness from being with him, fuck me. More than jealousy. More than winning her back to prove I can. Fucking killing me that she thinks she could be so content with someone else when I know I never could. “That’s nottrue.”
“Yes, it is.” A frustrated sigh blows against my chest. “There’s nothing left to say. I’m going back to theparty.”
A two tone chime catches both of us by surprise. So lost in our discussion neither of us aware we arrived at the top floor. Sliding my hand from her wrist to her fingers, I entwine them, and luckily she doesn’t fight me as I lead her into the entryway. Too sophisticated and well-mannered to behave like anything but alady.
The receptionist does a double take and tosses off her headset, running around her desk to greet Chryseis. Hugging like old friends. Which I guess they kind of are. Everyone missing her almost as much as Ido.
“It’s so good to see you.” Tilly squeezes her tight and then pushes her back, her gaze sweeping up and down her petite body. She rubs her billowy sheer sleeve, nodding with approval. “You look so pretty. I love the dress. How have youbeen?”
I can’t help but laugh. Only women can fucking get away with touching each other like that and not getslapped.
“I’m glad to see you too. It’s been toolong.”
“I know. Are the two ofyou…”
Pinkness circles Tilly’s cheeks, finally acknowledging my presence. Which prevents her from asking the real question playing out on her face. Hesitant to question the status of ourrelationship.
Yeah, we’re back together. Chryseis just doesn’t know ityet.
I gesture toward the chirping phone. Reminding Tilly to mind the business of our clients and not the two of us. She gives Chryseis one last quick embrace before scurrying back to her chair and jabbing thekeypad.
“Trivoli and Associates. How may I helpyou?”
Three more women fawn over her before we finally escape to my office. I ease the door shut once she’s trapped inside. Not bothering to click the lock. Everyone knows better than to fucking disturb me. Especially when Chryseis ishere.
A wistful smile brightens her exquisite face. “I’ve missed coming here. Seeing all ofthem.”
But not me obviously. The thoughtful expression fades as she glances around my office. Replaced by her irritation. Of memories of what we used to have. Remembering how good we used tobe.
Until her gaze lands on the destruction behind my desk. A reminder of my temper when I don’t get what I want. Of my drive than neverwanes.
Her arms wrap around her torso. Consoling herself from the loss of the love I yanked away so harsh andunexpectedly.
“I don’t know what I’m doing up here.” She shakes her head. As disappointed in herself as she is with me. “I need to get back. Leighton’s going to think you’ve kidnappedme.”
“Ihave.”
So caught up in her reverie she missed me sliding off my tie behind her. Black hair swirls like a fan as she spins around. Panic flaming in her wide sapphire eyes. She may be quick, but I’m determined, and I curl the emerald silk around her tiny wrists before she can stop me. She jerks away, but it’s toolate.
“What’re you doing? Stopit.”
Scolding me as if I’m a disobedient child who can be corrected. She doesn’t realize how fucking serious I am. Rooted in place by shock, she glares up at me in her fury. Earning me a few extra seconds to tighten my restraints before she realizes my intentions and tries to run. Awkward but adorable with her bound hands, she makes it to ten feet in front of the door before I block her path. My ego as huge as herfear.
“Come on, what are you going to do? Keep me prisonerhere?”
This time she grins and shakes her head. Tries a more playful tone. As if I’m just teasing. As if we’re just kidding around again. She’s cute. Really cute and so utterly wrong. Before she can get her shapely leg reared back to kick me, I palm her firm ass and tug her closer. “Yes.”
“I mean it Giovanni. Let me go, or I’ll startscreaming.”
My full name. She really is fired up. God I fucking love how the syllables slowly roll off her tongue. Wrapping around my hardening cock like velvet. Like her mouth should be. “Doesn’t matter. They’ve heard you scream before. Remember when I made you come on my desk? Like honey on mylips.”
